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Sunday driving bans in Paris and Bordeaux

On the first Sunday of every month, vehicles are banned in the centre of the two major cities. This Sunday is no exception.

Once a month, the city centre of Paris, like that of Bordeaux, is taken over by pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicles are then banned. Instead of having to give priority to car traffic on the street, people should be able to stroll and travel safely on bicycles or inline skates. The noise of traffic disappears and gives way to a slightly different life in the streets. Normally, street festivals or other events also take place on these days. At Corona times, however, these are usually dispensed with.

In Paris, the car-free Sunday has already existed since last year. It affects arrondissements 1, 2, 3 and 4, which means that cars are not allowed to enter the city centre north of the banks of the Seine. The ban applies roughly from Place de la Concorde in the west to Place de la Bastille in the east. The Champs-Élysées is also partially affected. The ban applies from 10am to 6pm. Exceptions are taxis, delivery vans, residents and caregivers, who are allowed to drive their vehicles 20km/h within the zone.

In Bordeaux, the car-free Sunday was introduced this year. Just like in Paris, the ban applies from 10am to 6pm in winter. In summer, i.e. from March to October, the car-free zone even applies until 7pm. From January to March, the city centre west of the Garonne River is affected, from the Allées de Chartres in the north to the Cours d'Alsace et Lorraine in the south. From April to December, the zone is extended by a few streets in both the north and the south. It extends from the Rue Ferrère in the north to the Cours Victor Hugo in the south. In August, the regulation is suspended for one month.

Drivers in both cities will therefore have to prepare for road closures and driving bans this Sunday. If not possible, leave your car and enjoy the city centre in a different light.